Eredivisie Matchday 15 Preview: AZ Alkmaar Hosts Go Ahead Eagles in European Qualification Pursuit
AZ Alkmaar will host Go Ahead Eagles in Eredivisie Matchday 15. Fourth-placed AZ Alkmaar is keen to solidify their European qualification hopes, while tenth-placed Go Ahead Eagles aim to climb the standings. Historically, AZ Alkmaar holds a dominant head-to-head record, but recent form and injury concerns for both sides suggest a potentially unpredictable encounter.
Match Background & Qualification Scenarios
The VriendenLoterij Eredivisie Matchday 15 features an intriguing clash as AZ Alkmaar hosts Go Ahead Eagles at the AFAS Stadion in Alkmaar. This match holds significant stakes for both sides. AZ Alkmaar currently occupies a strong 4th position in the league table with 24 points, actively pursuing a spot in European competitions, particularly aiming for Europa League qualification. They will look to leverage their home advantage to solidify their standing. Visiting side Go Ahead Eagles, sitting 10th with 17 points, is eager to improve their position, avoid any relegation dogfight, and push towards the upper half of the table. Historically, the head-to-head record heavily favors AZ Alkmaar, who have won 13 out of 17 direct encounters, with Go Ahead Eagles securing only one victory and three matches ending in a draw. This historical dominance adds an extra layer of anticipation to the fixture.
Recent Form
AZ Alkmaar's recent form in the Eredivisie has been inconsistent. In their last five league matches, they have registered one win, one draw, and three losses. This run includes a 0-1 defeat to Twente and an impressive 8-1 home victory against NAC Breda. This mixed bag of results presents a challenge they will need to overcome in the upcoming fixture. Go Ahead Eagles, on the other hand, have shown a degree of resilience in their last five league outings, with a record of one win, two draws, and two defeats. Their most recent result was a 2-2 draw against FC Utrecht, highlighting their fighting spirit.
Key Players & Injury News
For AZ Alkmaar, attacking prowess comes from key players such as Troy Parrott, who has netted 14 goals, and Sven Mijnans, with 8 goals to his name. However, the team is grappling with several injury concerns. Midfielder Jordy Clasie and forward Mexx Meerdink are currently sidelined. Defender Seiya Maikuma is nursing a knee injury, while Ro-Zangelo Daal and Lequincio Zeefuik also face various fitness issues. Go Ahead Eagles will rely on their leading scorer M. Smit, who boasts 8 goals, and Mathis Suray, who has scored 7 goals. The away side also has significant long-term injury absences, with midfielder Robbin Weijenberg out due to a cruciate ligament injury until July 2026, and defender Gerrit Nauber suffering a broken leg. Søren Tengstedt is another player currently dealing with an unknown injury.